How big does a whale sharks grow?

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known fish species. The largest whale shark on record was 18.8 metres (62 ft) in length. The average length of a whale shark is between 8 and 10 metres (26 and 33 ft), although some individuals can grow to be much larger. Whale sharks are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, and they feed on plankton, krill, and small fish.